Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The CT NOFA Farmers Pledge

Many farms that are not USDA Certified Organic adhere to or even exceed the requirements of the National Organic Program. Recognizing this, and to further enable consumers to identify the farms they want to support with their food dollars, CT NOFA uses the Farmer’s Pledge, separate and distinct from USDA Certified Organic. Farmers and market gardeners who adhere to the Farmer's Pledge have signed a copy which they display for customers and neighbors to view. This pledge is based on the integrity of the farmer/gardener, and can be signed regardless of whether or not the farm is USDA Certified Organic. Those who sign this pledge agree that consumers may inspect, by appointment, their farm or garden to judge the truthfulness of this statement. CT NOFA does not investigate or make any guarantee that the individual farmer is complying with the Farmer’s Pledge. If you're a farmer who's signed the pledge, you can print out the text below and display it proudly at your farm stand, CSA pickup, farmers market booth, or anywhere you interact with customers to let them know about your association with CT NOFA and your dedication to sustainability. If you are a member farmer and you'd like us to send you a new Farmer's Pledge Certificate, shoot us an email. If you're a consumer, look for the Farmer's Pledge Certificate hanging up at farm stands and markets, and if your local farm doesn't have one, ask them about their farm practices and if they have considered signing up.

Knowing your farmer is the best assurance that the food you buy is
responsibly grown, with methods that recognize the inherent implications
of the web of life in all our individual actions. CT NOFA believes that
farmers should work in harmony with natural forces and leave the little
piece of the world over which they have stewardship in better condition
than when they found it. The Farmer's Pledge and the National Organic Program are both important ways of quantifying this encompassing and holistic idea.

WE PLEDGE THAT IN OUR FARMING, PROCESSING AND MARKETING WE WILL

Reject the use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides & fertilizers

Practice minimal processing for all food products to preserve the natural nutritional value of food: NO use of irradiation, ultrapasteurization, excessive heat, synthetic preservatives, or GMO processing agents or additives

Reduce the ecological footprint of farms & homes by limiting energy use & converting to renewable sources of energy

Reduce food miles by selling produce locally & regionally

Create beneficial habitat for wildlife & encourage biodiversity

Help preserve farmland & farming knowhow

Use ethical business practices

Pay a living wage to all farm workers & acknowledge their freedom of association & their right to collective bargaining

Treat family members & farm workers with respect & ensure their safety on the farm

Work in cooperation with other farmers & with neighboring community to create a more sustainable way of life